The metropolitan office market was well placed for a strong year, particularly in the $10 million-plus price range, Colliers national metro markets director Peter Bremner said.

Last year, about $400 million worth of metropolitan office property sold in 21 transactions, he said. In 2011, there were just 17 metro office sales above $5 million, totalling $140 million.

''The majority of buyers were private investors, with some activity from syndicates and owner-occupiers, and noticeable emerging interest from super funds,'' Mr Bremner said. ''We are definitely seeing more private investors and super funds keen to take advantage of low interest rates and the attractive yields.''

Capital values in Melbourne's city fringe market ranged from about $3500 per square metre to $5000 a square metre, with yields averaging 7.75 to 9 per cent, according to Colliers.

In the popular inner east, capital values were around $4500 a square metre, with yields about 8.25 to 8.5 per cent.

Investors were now not only ''making money on their equity, but they're also making money on debt'', Dawkins Occhiuto director Andrew Dawkins said. ''It's pretty compelling.''